What is Marma Therapy?
Marma therapy is an important part of Ayurveda that helps to maintain health by cleansing blocked energy.
The word Marma is of Sanskrit origin ‘Mrin Maranae’. The Sanskrit phrase, “mriyatae asmin iti marma” means ‘there is likelihood of death or serious damage to health when these points are inflicted. Hence, these areas are called marma. Marma in Sanskrit also means hidden or secret. By definition, a Marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints.
107 Marma Points in Ayurveda for Healing
Marma therapy utilizes 107 points or “doorways” into the body and consciousness. The mind is considered as the 108th marma.
Major marma points correspond to the seven chakras, or energy centers of the body, while minor points radiate out along the torso and limbs. These points range in size from one to six inches in diameter. The points were mapped out in detail centuries ago in the ‘ Sushruta Samhita ’, a classic Ayurvedic text.
The points cover both the front and back of the body, including
- 22 on the lower extremities
- 22 on the arms
- 12 on the chest and stomach
- 14 on the back, &
- 37 on the head and neck
What Happens During Marma?
In Marma therapy, a very light stimulation of points on the body is done. It removes blockages from the marma points giving physical and psychological relaxation and strength. This is a powerful process and a therapy that works with these subtle and sensitive energy points to open the energy channels in the body are called srothas.
Marma points, when gently pressed on the skin can stimulate a chain of positive events.
Why is Marma Great for You?
Marma therapies are profound and work at many levels - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual and can create dramatic shifts in the body.
- Relief from chronic or acute pain, both locally and distally
- Detoxification at all levels.
- Significant improvement in bodily/organ functions, especially immunity, digestive, respiratory, neural & psychological
- Healthier skin and a radiant appearance
- Balances body temperature and can balance the doshas
- Releases neuro-chemicals such as serotonin, melatonin for improved cognitive function and deeper sleep
A more creative you with higher energy levels:
Here’s a big secret to understanding marma:
Marma therapy can actually alter consciousness and change one’s awareness. Through working on the marma points, we can control:
- prana (energy) levels
- our sensory and motor organs, and eventually
- the entire mind-body complex
This gives us easier access to higher realms of consciousness. From that place, a person can move forward with self-care, creativity and renewed energy.
